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Mattingly, Kemp await discipline after ejections

Mattingly, Kemp await discipline after ejections

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ATLANTA -- After a Friday phone call with Major League official Joe Torre, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said he expects to be suspended one or two games but was hopeful outfielder Matt Kemp would only be fined after their Thursday ejections.

Plate umpire Angel Campos ejected both in the second inning of the Dodgers' 10-6 loss in Pittsburgh. Campos also ejected pitcher Joe Blanton after his removal during the fifth inning.

Kemp had been warned by Campos to stop complaining about a strike call from his at-bat the previous inning. When Kemp then cheered on teammate Andre Ethier, Campos ejected him. Mattingly rushed the umpire and also was ejected. Kemp had to be restrained by teammates and other umpires but said Friday he did not make contact, which would result in an automatic suspension.

It has been speculated that no disciplinary action was taken Friday because Kemp and Mattingly have prominent roles in Saturday's Civil Rights Game ceremonies.

"I still think [disciplinary action] is going to happen, just not tonight," Mattingly said. "I would say a game or two, it looks like. With Matt, I don't [expect a suspension], really, but I guess you never know.

"I'll accept whatever they want to do, but I don't really agree. I have a lot of respect for Joe and what he stands for, so I'll accept it."

But after already losing Kemp for most of a loss, Mattingly doesn't believe a suspension for Kemp is called for and apparently passed that opinion on to Torre.

"He did hold his temper in check, that's my response," Mattingly said in defense of Kemp. "Matt didn't do anything wrong. What happened was simple banter that's been going on as long as I've been in the game, guys chirping from the dugout. When he said, 'That's enough, no more,' Matt cheered for 'Dre. That's where the problem is for me. They can do something to me.

"Joe told me I'm responsible for keeping Matt away from the umpire once he's out of the dugout, to make sure he's under control. I accept that."

Mattingly, who leads the Major Leagues with six ejections this year, said he reminded his club in Friday's pregame meeting not to get ejected.

"They've got to stay in the game, but it's an emotional game," he said. "We work really hard and fight every day, that's what we ask the guys to do. You can't ask them not to be emotional. Matt stopped when he was asked to stop."